Page 4: Jack Thompson Retires After 37 Years Page 4: Jack Thompson Page 4: Jack Thompson Page 10: AOSpine Surgeon

John G. DeVine Retires from the United States Military

Page 10: AOSpine Surgeon

NEWSAugust 2014 | Issue 38

Page 7: One AO 2015– Early Bird Registration Page 7: One AO 2015–

Early Bird Registration O

ffer

and

AOCMF AOSpine AOTrauma AOVET

AO North America | 1700 Russell Road | Paoli, PA 19301

EDUCATION

MEMBERSHIP

RESEARCH

FELLOWSHIPS

From the Editor’s Desk

This issue of the newsletter exemplifi es the spirit of AO, and in particular how it is lived out in our region of AO North America.

First, what is the AO spirit? AO spirit is an intangible force that all of us have experienced once being exposed to the organization. It may be the result of being part of an important organization or interacting with leaders in our fi elds or most importantly, associating and working with committed individuals who are striving to achieve the common goal of excellent patient care. We achieve this goal through many avenues in the Foundation: education, research, development and support. In addition, we are a diverse group of individuals, surgical specialists and scientists.

Dr. John DeVine demonstrates how one is caught by the spirit and begins his AO career. During his training as a spine surgeon, he was involved in an AO Course and subsequently was mentored by two AO North American spine surgeons. These experiences instilled the AO spirit in Dr. DeVine and so began his AOSpine career. “Get involved” is Dr. DeVine’s advice to his AOSpine colleagues, and it is worth repeating to all that active involvement in AONA is what builds the spirit and maintains our activities.

An example of involvement and the ongoing result of the AO spirit is Jack Thompson. Many of us who have gone through our AO careers have had the pleasure of meeting Jack. Jack recently retired from a very successful involvement with AO. He is not a surgeon but a member of the Synthes team that has supported us in courses. Early in his career Jack understood what AO is. He was captivated with the spirit from the founders of AO – Hans Willenegger, Martin Allgöwer and Stephan Perren. Jack realized the importance of the relationship between Synthes and the AO with respect to education. He made sure that we as surgeons would be able to teach without concerning ourselves with the right lab equipment or whether or not the lab was set up. He also made absolutely sure that the appropriate relationship existed between the surgeons, the participants and the support staff. Jack’s willingness to work selfl essly and make sure that AO surgeons could achieve their goals will be diffi cult to replace. However, more important to note, Jack was bitten by the AO bug, and he is a great example of the AO spirit.

We are faced with many distractions to achieving our AO goals today, and maintaining the momentum of the AO spirit is vital. As we remember both Dr. Devine and Jack Thompson, we should be inspired to do the right thing and not be concerned with outside distractions.

James F. Kellam, MDEditor-in-Chief AONA News

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Editorial Assistant Production Manager ContactJames F. Kellam, MD Melissa J. D’Archangelo Jessica Romero Phillip Litchfi eld editor@aona.org

Your Voice Counts; Your Opinion Matters Suggestion BoxSubmit your suggestions for content for the AONA quarterly newsletter. Suggestion Box is an evaluation tool to fi nd what types of articles, activities, events or practices AONA surgeon members seek to read in order to advance patient care. Submit your Suggestion Box ideas to editor@aona.org.

Call for Clinical ContentHave an interesting case to share? One that went well, or even one that did not go so well but illustrates an important learning point? Develop a novel approach to a diffi cult or common problem? Have a really unique case that no one else will ever see? If so, we’d like to feature it in future editions of AONA News. Not sure whether your case is what we are looking to publish? Just send us a quick note, and we’ll review it with you. Please send your cases to editor@aona.org.

Table of Contents 4 – 5 Jack Thompson Retires After 37 Years

5 Call For Applications – AOSNA Fellowship Site Funding for the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 Academic Years

6 AOTNA Announces Fellowship Awards for the 2014/2015 Fellowship Cycle

6 Surgeons and Staff Leadership Attend the Annual AO Trustees Meeting in Budapest, Hungary

7 One AO – Early Bird Registration

7 AOTrauma Welcomes New Chairmen and Board Members

8 – 9 Recently Held Courses

9 Like AO North America on Facebook!

10 – 11 AOSpine Surgeon John G. DeVine Retires from the United States Military

11 Resident Research Grant Opportunity

4 AO North America News August 2014 Issue 38

Jack Thompson Retires After 37 Years

The AOTrauma Basic and Advanced Courses in

Marco Island, Florida marked the last courses

Jack Thompson supported before his retirement

on June 30. During the courses, Jack was

recognized by AONA and the faculty leadership

for his support, commitment and true friendship.

His support of AO Courses and his dedication to education has impacted generations of orthopedic residents throughout the world, not to mention the countless AO Faculty he has watched grow from young residents to world-class surgeons and educators. During the course, Jack took some time to refl ect on his years supporting AONA Courses and the many surgeons whom he has had the privilege of knowing.

Tell me about your professional background. I spent two years in college at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. I was married at the time and a father; consequently, I was not able to stay in college. I decided to take the civil service exam and spent six years working at the post offi ce. During that time, I was offered the opportunity to work for a pharmaceutical company, Hoechst-Roussel. I accepted the job and started working there three days after LASIX®, a major product, had been introduced on the market. I ended up spending the next eleven years with Hoechst-Roussel. Around 1977 Hoechst-Roussel decided to let seven senior employees go, and needless to say, I was one of them. I was approaching 40 years old and facing unemployment.

Right around that time, someone asked me what I knew about orthopedics. “Well,” I said, “I know it has something to do with bones.” I guess that was a good answer because Jim Anderson approached me for an interview. Following my interview with Jim, he sent me to Philadelphia the very next week for a fi nal interview. The rest, as they say, is history. I was hired by Synthes, and I am proud to say that I have been with Synthes, now DePuy Synthes, a J & J Company, for 37 years.

How did you get involved in AO from your connection with Synthes?Twelve years ago I wrote a job description involving courses, conventions and meetings that only I could fi ll, my mantra being, “The key to our past, present and future is education.” For the last 12 years, I have been the Manager of Courses, Conventions and Meetings, supporting AO Courses throughout the country.

From your experience supporting courses over the years, what are the most important aspects of the educational activities for surgeons?Education is a pathway for young surgeons in their residency not only to gain the knowledge about the AO but also the basics of internal fi xation. Many of the residents take the Basic Principles Course, then the Advanced Course, and some become AO faculty.

What are your most memorable moments of AO?I have so many memorable moments with the AO, but there are a few that stand out. For example, during my fi rst week on the job in 1977, I was at the Mayo Clinic, and Professor Stephan Perren, AO Foundation Co-founder, was a visiting professor there for four days. Later that year, I went to Davos, and after the opening reception, Professor Perren came up to me and said, “Jack, how are things at the Mayo Clinic?” He literally knocked me off my feet. First, I was surprised he remembered me, and second, he remembered exactly where we had met. Here I am, a new employee and this renowned surgeon is showing interest in me.

Another fond memory took place in Davos during Professor Martin Allgöwer’s last Davos course. When I stepped out of the course, I saw Professor Allgöwer sitting in the lobby. He asked me to sit with him, and we conversed as though we had been long-time friends. When I returned, my wife asked where I had been and I replied, “I wish I had a video or recording of the last ten minutes because it was some of the greatest time of my life was spent with that gentleman.”

5AO North America News August 2014 Issue 38

Another memory took place when Professor Hans Willenegger was visiting the Mayo Clinic. I drove back to Minneapolis with Professor Willenegger and took him to his hotel. When I asked if he’d like to settle in and then come to dinner at my house, he said, “No, I’ll go with you now!” Well, I quickly called my wife and told her Professor Hans Willenegger would be joining us for dinner. My wife was almost as excited as I was.

Having these expert professors in one-on-one settings are the memories that will last forever for me along with the hundreds of AO faculty who are true friends. I must say that during my 37 years at Synthes, there have been numerous people and events that I recall fondly, so many in fact, it is impossible to differentiate during what course who did what!

What is your vision of the future for AO Courses?I think the future for AO Courses is very strong and bright. Anytime there are mergers and growth, there is always change. The groundwork and framework of AO will continue forever because it is so unique. The key to the continuation of past and present is education.

What are your future plans?Having spent half my life at Synthes, I will defi nitely miss it. But, at the same time, I am looking forward to getting in the motor home with my wife and my two dogs and visiting different places. My wife has never experienced the wonders of the western national parks, so we are looking forward to going there. I have had many people tell me to stop by and say hello if I come through their way. Well, I think I am going to do just that! I also plan to play a little golf, do a little fi shing and continue to pay it forward.

Jack’s career with Synthes began in September of 1977 as the 14th Sales Consultant. His territory stretched 840 miles from his home base and covered Minnesota, the Dakotas, Northern Iowa and Western Wisconsin. Later that winter he attended his fi rst AO Course in Davos. In 1979 he was named Salesman of the Year. After several years as a consultant, he took on the role of regional manager covering territories from Denver to Kansas City and Cleveland to Cincinnati in the West and East respectively. Following this time as a regional manager he was the National Sales Manager for 2 years through March 1985.

In March 1985 Jack became the General Manager of Syndent, which was renamed Synthes Maxillofacial in 1986. Jack led this organization until July 1988.

Jack returned to the fi eld as the Regional Manager Southwest, based in Houston. In 1990 he was the recipient of the coveted Founders Award. He led the region until 2002 when the need for dedicated staff management at AO Courses became clear. He defi ned his role of Manager, Courses and Conventions, and has been in that role for the past 12 years.

Jack will continue to live in Houston with his wife Linda and his two standard poodles, Sam and Cassie. His daughters, Ann, Sue and Leah and grandson, Evan, will hopefully see more of him now that his travel schedule will be relaxed. You may fi nd him golfi ng, fi shing or traveling – or perhaps run into him at an AO Course here or there, as he has earned a standing invitation from AO North America for their courses.Those who know Jack know the things he cherishes most are the true

friendships he has enjoyed throughout his career. These friendships endure.

The purpose of the AOSpine North America Fellowship Program is to provide funding to institutions that offer intensive learning opportunities for fully trained orthopedic and neurosurgeons interested in spine surgery. Quality, consistency and evidence of academic and scientifi c excellence at the institution are taken into consideration as part of the peer reviewed selection process. It will be the responsibility of the fellowship site and its program director to ensure that the fellow selected is conversant in principles, indications, planning, techniques and complications of spinal surgery at the completion of his/her fellowship. A limited number of awards are available; deadline for submitting applications for consideration is November 1, 2014.

Funding is awarded to the institution for two 1-year academic cycles.

For guidelines and application forms, please visit www.aospine.org or send an e-mail to Chi Lam at clam@aospine.org.

The AOSpine community – delivering the knowledge,

experience, and evidence to improve patient outcomes

and ensure cost effective spine surgery.

Call For Applications

AOSNA Fellowship Site Funding for the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 Academic Years

AOTNA Announces Fellowship Awards for the 2014/15 Fellowship Cycle

Fellowship grant recipients for the 2014 – 2015 academic year have been announced.

Allegheny

Carolinas Medical Center

Case Western Reserve University / MetroHealth

Combined Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Program

Dalhousie University Queen Elizabeth the Second HSC

Denver Health Medical Center

Duke University

Hospital for Special Surgery

R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center

Regions Hospital/University of Minnesota

San Diego Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre / University of Toronto

Trauma Fellowship of Oklahoma

UCSF SFGH Orthopaedic Trauma Institute

UCSF SFGH Orthopaedic Trauma Institute - Geriatric

UMDNJ / University Hospital / New Jersey Medical School

University of British Columbia

University of California, Davis Medical Center

University of California, San Diego

University of Missouri Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

University of Washington/Harborview Medical Center

University of Southern California Keck

UT College of Medicine Chattanooga

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Washington University, School of Medicine

The Annual AO Trustees Meeting took place in Budapest, Hungary from June 27 – June 30, 2014. The Trustees Meeting consisted of three days of high level scientifi c presentations, symposiums and breakout sessions.

Surgeons and staff leadership were honored not only to be attending, but to watch the transition of the AO Foundation presidency. Jaime Quintero from Colombia who has served from 2012 – 2014, handed over the reins of the AO Foundation to Suthorn Bavonratanavech from Thailand at the closing ceremony of the Trustees Meeting.

Some highlights of the three day event included a keynote speech on the fi rst day by Piers Mitchell which captivated the imaginations of the Trustees. Chris Evans from USA delivered a very insightful talk on why translational research is so important to the AO, identifying the barriers to making the translation “from bench to beside” which range from funding, to career paths for scientists to regulatory issues.

In addition to interesting presentations on new AO Foundation initiatives, all of the AO Foundation Institutes delivered well-received updates on their work encouraging the Trustees to get involved where possible. On day two of the program there were a number of breakout sessions delivered by the AO Clinical Divisions and the AO Institutes which stimulated much productive discussion amongst the Trustees.

The exciting scientifi c program was concluded with a panel discussion on the merits of the AO’s wide-ranging fellowship programs. This exchange of opinions and experiences was preceded by an insightful video with statements from across the AO on the importance of the fellowships to the future of the organization and its value to the individual fellows.

The newly-elected President Prof Suthorn Bavonratanavech closed the Trustees Meeting 2014 with a short presentation on his aspirations for his presidency and some details on the Trustees Meeting 2015 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

6 AO North America News August 2014 Issue 38

Surgeons and Staff Leadership Attend the Annual AO Trustees Meeting in Budapest, Hungary

7AO North America News August 2014 Issue 38

AOTrauma Welcomes New Chairmen and Board Members

Community Development CommitteeTo clearly defi ne, promote, and enhance the value of AOTrauma membership.

Community Development CommitteeSamir Metha, MD – ChairMichael Miranda, MD – Immediate Past ChairBrett Crist, MDLangton Hartsock, MDBrad Yoo, MD

Education CommitteeTo enhance AOTNA’s leadership position by providing the highest quality education and training to orthopedic surgeons.

Education CommitteeRoger Wilber, MD – ChairMark Reilly, MD – Immediate Past ChairPierre Guy, MD, MBADave Hubbard, MDMark Lee, MDChip Routt, MDMichael Sirkin, MD

Fellowship CommitteeTo identify and develop the future leaders of trauma and engage fellows in AOTrauma as a pathway to lifelong learning, mentoring, and camaraderie.

Fellowship CommitteeJason Nascone, MD – ChairTim Weber, MD – Immediate Past ChairTimothy Achor, MDDave Barei, MD, FRCSCBJ Cross, DOJames Krieg, MD

Research CommitteeTo support high-quality resident research projects that meet defi ned guidelines and specifi ed benchmarks.

Research CommitteeBerton Moed – ChairGregory Della Rocca, MD, PhD, FACSStephen Kates, MDErika Mitchell, MD

AOTrauma has grown into a global community of best-in-class trauma and orthopedic surgeons and researchers since its creation as its own clinical division. It continues to focus on its strengths: education, research and community building.

The AOTrauma North America (AOTNA) Board governs the activities and initiatives of AOTNA. New Chairmen and members have been elected to the Community Development, Education and Fellowship committees.

Sponsored by AO North America

and

Common Problems and Common Solutions Across Disciplines

This unique, scientifi c meeting capitalizes on the strength and diversity of AO North America’s clinical divisions in craniomaxillofacial, orthopedic trauma, spine, neurosurgery, and veterinary surgery. One AO will bring together surgeons, fellows and residents to share knowledge, recent advances in research, and best practices. Topics of mutual interest and scientifi c sessions will be provided to address issues and challenges that are unique to each specialty yet share similarities. This meeting is the fi rst of its kind to bring together, from diverse specialties, people who share the same goals of improving the care of their patients (animal and human) with musculoskeletal diseases and disorders.

Chairman Michael Miranda, MD

Co-Chairmen Theodore Choma, MDMichael Kowaleski, DVM, DAVSC, DECVSJ. David Kriet, MD, FACS

and veterinary surgery. One AO will bring together surgeons,

Register Now or Before October 15th and Enjoy a 20% Discount Off Tuition Fees!

$160 for Attendings/Practicing Surgeons$60 for Residents/Fellowswww.oneao.org

Register Now or Before October 15th and Enjoy a 20% Discount Off Tuition Fees!

$160 for Attendings/Practicing Surgeons E

arly Bird Registration Offer

8 AO North America News August 2014 Issue 38

AOCMF North America held a CMF Principles Course in Montreal, Quebec Canada on June 24, 2014 at the Le Westin Montreal in conjunction with the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting.

The CMF Principles Course was designed to equip surgeons with the state-of-the-art skills and techniques for treating and managing CMF fractures from trauma, as well as congenital defects, secondary correction of injuries and aesthetic reconstruction. Highlights of the course included sessions on anatomy, biomechanics, surgical approaches and principles of internal fi xation of the mandible.

Experts in the fi eld of CMF Surgery compared and contrasted current methods and provided indications for the use of these techniques. The program included didactic sessions, practical exercises and small group discussions (SGD). These SGD complement both the lectures and the practical exercises by discussing the four AO Principles of Fracture Fixation:• Anatomic Reduction of the fracture

fragments, particularly joint fractures• Stable fi xation to ensure proper

healing of the fracture allowing surrounding tissue to move and strengthen

• Atraumatic surgical technique to preserve blood supply to the bone fragments and soft tissue

• Early, pain free mobilization returning the patient to function as soon as possible

Recently Held Courses

Montreal CMF Principles Course Faculty Members.

Participant completing the Comminuted Mandible Fracture Exercise.

The Course Chairmen, Oleh Antonyshyn, MD, FRCSC, Ben Davis, DDS, FRCDC, and S. Mark Taylor, MD, FRCS(C), FACS should be commended on an excellent educational offering.

Participant completing the Symphyseal Fracture Exercise.Participant completing the Symphyseal Fracture Exercise.

AO North America News August 2014 Issue 38AO North America News August 2014 Issue 38

Experts in the fi eld of CMF Surgery compared and contrasted current methods and provided indications for the use of these techniques. The program included didactic sessions, practical exercises and small group discussions (SGD). These SGD complement both the lectures and the practical exercises by discussing the four AO Principles of Fracture Fixation:• Anatomic Reduction of the fracture

fragments, particularly joint fractures• Stable fi xation to ensure proper

healing of the fracture allowing surrounding tissue to move

• Atraumatic surgical technique to preserve blood supply to the bone fragments and soft tissue

• Early, pain free mobilization returning the patient to function as soon as possible

The Course Chairmen, Oleh Antonyshyn, MD, FRCSC, Ben Davis, DDS, FRCDC, and S. Mark Taylor, MD, FRCS(C), FACS should be commended on an excellent educational offering.

9AO North America News August 2014 Issue 38

AOTrauma Basic Principles and Advanced Courses in Operative Fracture Management Marco Island, Florida Course had a high turnout.

More than 200 residents and fellows attended the AOTrauma North America(AOTNA) Principles and Advanced Courses in Operative Fracture Management held atMarco Island, Florida from June 8 – 3, 2014.

The Advanced Course focused on the treatment of complex fractures and fracture complications. This was accomplished through didactic presentations and group discussions between the participants and faculty.

In addition, surgical techniques were practiced on artifi cial bones. Topics included: complex fractures of the upper and lower extremities, fractures of the

pelvis and acetabulum, fracture complications and polytrauma management. Participants had the opportunity to address treatment of malunions and nonunions using preoperative planning and current fi xation techniques.

The Advanced Course was privileged to have Course Chairman Thomas Higgins, MD; Course Director David Barei, MD, FRCSC; and Course Evaluator James Krieg, MD teach this year’s Course.

The Basic Principles Course covered the concepts of absolute and relative stability, as applied in context, of the soft tissue injury for each limb segment’s major fracture types. This Course is the foundation for the AONA curriculum, wherein surgeons learn how to manage trauma and trauma reconstruction. The goal of this Course was not to advocate

the treatment of all fractures by surgical fi xation, but rather to help ensure that when surgery is carried out, it is done properly based upon principles, appropriate preoperative planning, and decision making.

The Basic Principles Course had the honor of having Course Chairmen Michael Sirkin, MD, Course Director David Barei, MD, FRCSC, and Course Evaluator David Hubbard, MD, teach this year’s Course.

Recently Held Courses continued

Like AO North America on Facebook!

Dr. Antonyshyn teaching in the lecture hall.

AOTrauma Basic Principles and Advanced Courses in Operative Fracture Management Marco Island, Florida Course had a high turnout.

More than 200 residents and fellows attended the AOTrauma North America(AOTNA) Principles and Advanced Courses in Operative Fracture Management held atMarco Island, Florida from June 8 – 3, 2014.

The Advanced Course focused on the treatment of complex fractures and fracture complications. This was accomplished through didactic presentations and group discussions between the participants and faculty.

In addition, surgical techniques were practiced on artifi cial bones. Topics included: complex fractures of the upper and lower extremities, fractures of the

Recently Held Courses

10 AO North America News August 2014 Issue 38

AOSpine Surgeon John G. DeVine Retires from the United States Military

John G. DeVine, MD, Professor and Chief, Spine Surgery, and AOSpine Faculty member, successfully retired after 24 years of service with the United States military. Along with many awards, Dr. DeVine was awarded “A” Profi ciency Designator – by the Surgeon General and Commanding General, US Army Medical Command in 2010. This is the highest award the Army Medical Department can present. Not only is he fi rst-rate at his practice, but he is inspiring as an educator and mentor. Dr. DeVine has been a member of AOSpine since 2006, and is well recognized for his surgical skills in orthopedic spine surgery and his passion to teach and better educate AOSpine residents and fellows. We congratulate Dr. DeVine on his retirement and look forward to his future with AOSpine North America!

Tell me about your professional background and specifically how you got involved in the military? I went to the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York as an undergraduate, sight unseen. When I got accepted, I just said OK, I am coming without visiting, and by virtue of my undergraduate education, I incurred a fi ve-year commitment to the United States Army. When I found out I could go to medical school after West Point, I changed my major and applied to medical school, which was funded by the Army, and in return, I had to pay back an additional twelve years of active duty. I also did a fi ve-year residency and a fellowship in spine and incurred two more years of debt, so by the time I fi nished training in 2001, I owed thirteen years of service which I completed in April of this year. When it was all said and done, I completed twenty four years of service in the United States Army.

How did you get involved in AOSpine?As a resident I attended an AOSpine Course in Breckenridge Colorado, and some of my mentors were involved in AOSpine, so when I completed my fellowship and I returned to Washington and started practicing, I was involved with Dr. Chapman and Dr. Bellabarba, and they were the ones who got me interested in AOSpine.

In what ways do you benefit from participating as a member and faculty of AOSpine?One of the great things about AOSpine is that I come here as faculty to teach, but the great benefi t is that I learn more than when I teach because I hear experts in the fi eld talk about subjects that they are passionate about and are experts in, and so I leave one of these events having learned something about spine, spine imaging, spine treatment, and pathology.

Do you feel participating in AOSpine education and activities is important, specifically in relation to military surgeons?I think it is important for all surgeons, not just military, to participate in. My being a military surgeon set me apart from my peers in AOSpine only in that I wore a uniform to work. As it turns out, a lot of surgeons in AOSpine either served in the military prior, the reserves, or both. It’s not uncommon to run across surgeons in AOSpine who served in the armed services or reserves.

What are your most memorable moments as an AOSpine faculty member?One of my most memorable moments was my fi rst invitation to teach in Davos, which was December of 2010. AO is an international organization and we only see the North America aspect of AOSpine. To be able to really appreciate how international and worldwide AO infl uences education and spine care is pretty remarkable, and you don’t get to see that until you actually participate in it.

11AO North America News August 2014 Issue 38

What advice would you give to a new AOSpine Member?Get involved. There are numerous ways to be involved with AOSpine. As a new member, attend one of the symposiums or Advanced Courses during the course of your early career, and once you become board certified you are eligible to become faculty members, and that is where the fun begins. There are several different avenues you could go as a faculty member, not just teaching. We have several subcommittees, research subcommittee, education subcommittee, and community development subcommittee. I think all that contributes into personal and professional growth as a spine surgeon and as a teacher.

Do you think AOSpine has helped shape you into the surgeon you are today?Absolutely. Most of my mentors are AOSpine faculty members, and the way I practice now is a direct reflection on the way I was taught. Not just in residency and fellowship, but over the past decade and during my involvement with AOSpine.

If you hadn’t become a surgeon for the military, what do you think you would be?If I didn’t have the option of going to medical school, I would have become an engineer in the army. When I went to West Point, we had to pick a major. I chose engineering. Math and science were easy for me and I think that’s why I did so well in medical school.

What piece of advice do you feel is most important that you want to pass on?If you wait for somebody to teach you something, you will graduate stupid. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be able to do what we get to do on a daily basis.

Now that you have retired from the military, what are your future plans?I am living my future plans right now. I am the Chief of Spine Surgery, and Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, currently at the Medical College of Georgia, At Georgia Regents University.

Resident Research Grant OpportunityAttention: Orthopedic Surgery Residents Who Are

Interested in Trauma Research

Eligibility: The principal investigator (PI) must be an orthopedic surgery resident training in an ACGME-accredited orthopedic program in the United States or at a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada accredited program, or an osteopathic resident at an AOA-approved program. The resident may develop his/her own project or work on a discrete component of an established investigator’s larger research endeavor. Applicants are limited to one submission per individual each academic year.

Amount: Maximum of $10,000 for a one-year period.

Deadlines for Application: July 30 and September 30

Period of Grant: From date of grant approval through June 30 of the following academic year.

Apply Now!

For guidelines, details or additional questions, contact Resident Research Support by e-mail at programs@aona.org or visit the AONA website at www.aona.org

AONA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of patient care in orthopedic trauma, craniomaxillofacial, spine and veterinary surgery by fostering and expanding a network of healthcare professionals in research, development, clinical investigation and education. For additional information about AO North America and its education, fellowship and research opportunities, visit the AONA website at www.aona.org or call 800.769.1391.

AO North America | 1700 Russell Road | Paoli, PA 19301

www.aona.org

9/14 1867A©2014 AO North America. All rights reserved.

NEWSAugust 2014 | Issue 38